Making an impression is important, regardless of the occasion, and a perfect base and great lip will take your look from plain to stunning in just a few steps. MAKE UP FOR EVER’S PRO Team Artist Aiko Cheng tells us how to master the shades of the season.
The right foundation
When selecting a colour, swipe a sample along your jawline to see how well it blends in with your neck, which is an area that rarely tans. Try a few shades to select the most natural one, or blend several shades together to match your sun-kissed skin after a beach holiday. Choose a foundation with a red base, not yellow, if you are fair-skinned – it will look like you’re glowing from within.
The right product
Who has time to constantly look in the mirror when the most pressing thing is beating that impeding deadline? So, select a multitasking formula that not only evens out your skin tone and hides blemishes, but also has built-in skincare elements to awaken your entire look, hydrating your skin to reboot your complexion throughout the day. Remember those other shades to keep handy? Pull out a lighter shade so it can double-duty as a highlighter on cheekbones and the bridge of your nose.
The right method
Want an extra glow? Use a brightening primer first to create a great canvas.To apply your foundation, use a suitable brush with soft, short bristles. Using upward circular motions, buff the foundation onto your face, using appropriate pressure to gently lift the skin at the cheekbones for an enhanced effect, refining your features. Don’t forget to pay attention to the corners of your nose. Dust on some loose powder to fight the Hong Kong humidity, then mist on some setting spray before you head out the door.
Everyday look
This fall, browns, toffees and neutral earth tones are on the radar. For around the office, try a monotone look on your eyes and face, and finish with lips in a subtle pink to look polished, approachable and pulled together. Use a lip liner to trace your lips, paying extra attention around your cupid’s bow, then fill in with a first layer of transfer-proof matte colour. Add a warm beige lipstick for dimension, and a look that will last between coffees and a lengthy team brainstorming session.
Boardroom chic
It’s presentation day – you’ll need time to prepare your notes, with none to spare on retouching make up. You can easily up the ante on your everyday make up with a deeper lip shade, which commands just enough attention without taking any away from your fantastic ideas. Stick to one rose shade here and with the “fat” side of the lip crayon, use quick, short strokes all over your lips. An additional layer of colour in the centre of your lips will create a pretty, plump pout.
Networking confidence
For special events, switch up your neutral eyes for a bit of plum. Now’s the time to also make a statement with a bold red lip. First, make sure your lips are moisturised with a serum, so that they’re defined and safe from colour bleeding. Every look needs a focal point so make your lips pop by using a lip stain in a fire engine, carmine red: dot on your lips, and use the applicator (even your fingers, if you’re in a crunch) to spread evenly.
Afterwork glam
It’s finally play time – and you can do so with your make up too, with a unique plum lip. First, neutralise your lips with a primer so that the colour that shows up on them is actually the colour on the tube. Experiment with a little drama; a darker lip demands a strong outline, so use the doe-foot applicator to prep your lips with a matte magenta as a base, and fill in. Top with a highly pigmented, creamy deep red lipstick to complete your impressive new look.